For several years now, Deanna Anderson has had the same problem with trespassing on her property. And after many attempts to find a solution, she has approached Town Council with a compromise.
Anderson, the Chairperson of the Parkland Gardens Strata Council, lives in a neighbourhood that Mayor Christina Benty describes as “the victim of ancient poor planning.”
The pathway from the river goes to Riverglen, and then stops. Anyone wanting to get from Riverglen to 5th Avenue, or onto Fisher Road, has nowhere to go except through private property said Anderson.
“This is not the first time I have been here on this issue,” said Anderson, who for years has dealt with trespassing, and even vandalism, as a result of this problem.
“What my proposal here is, if I was able to secure some funds, and it may take me a couple years… to buy the vacant property, which is up for sale right now, and create a park.”
Anderson has previously approached the Town in hopes of having an easement created alongside the strata property, but didn’t make much headway. This time, she is coming to council with the incentive of a brand new green space in hopes it will gain more support from both the Town, and the residents in the neighbourhood.
“This would be a huge asset to this neighbourhood,” she said.
The property that Anderson says is ideal for the project is currently zoned for multi dwellings. There are grants available for the development of green spaces, but Anderson does not want to go through all the work of securing the funds if in the end, the property cannot be rezoned.
Her purpose of presenting to council was to find out if this project was possible, and to find out if council would support her efforts.
Council voted to refer the issue to staff. They will work with Anderson, and explore some solutions, and then present back to council.
